The Numerator Consumer Sentiment Tracker, which measures public confidence, spending and saving considerations, slipped in April, although it remained on the positive side of the ledger.
The Numerator Consumer Sentiment Tracker, which measures public confidence, spending and saving considerations, slipped in April, although it remained on the positive side of the ledger.
As shoppers ponder how they will spend in an unsettled economic environment, the Numerator April Consumer Confidence Score came in at 55.1, down 1.4 points from March but still above the 50 break even point.
In its study of consumer sentiment, Numerator noted:
- To save money, consumers are cooking at home, cited by 40%; shopping for items on sale, by 39%; and using coupons/discount codes, by 38%.
- 33% of consumers think it’s very or somewhat difficult to find employment in the current job market, up from March of this year and April 2024.
- 47% of consumers said their household’s financial situation is currently good or very good, down three points from March.
- 39% of consumers said they are very or somewhat comfortable spending money on discretionary purchases right now, down three points from the month before.
- Consumers with spare cash said they’re putting it in savings, at 37%; and paying down debts, at 33%. Some 12% of consumers stated that they didn’t have spare cash.
- 27% of consumers said they will use spare cash to vacation or travel, down 1.5 points from March.
- 34% of consumers said they are spending less overall.
Numerator’s April Financial Outlook Score was 50.1 down 1.9 points from March, as consumers expressed middling feelings about their future finances. When asked about their view out one year, 26% of consumers said they think their finances will be better than they are now, down two points from March, 48% think they’ll be the same, down one point, and 26% think they’ll be worse, up two points.
